Pope Leo XIV spends 'peaceful night' in hospital after lung cancer surgery

Surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pontiff's right lung; the Vatican says recovery is proceeding as expected.

The Vatican said Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night at Rome's Gemelli hospital after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, adding that further information on his condition would follow. The 71-year-old pontiff was admitted after doctors discovered a growth during a routine health check.

Doctors removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung in a 90-minute operation completed without complications. Subsequent tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, and further tests will determine whether additional treatment is needed.

The Vatican said the pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, with all public engagements cancelled until October 20. Leo, elected in May 2025, has been unusually transparent about the diagnosis, announcing the discovery of the nodule himself during his Sunday prayer in St. Peter's Square.